Whiplash occurs to the following a sudden hyperextension/ hyper flexion force, most commonly from motor vehicle accident. The term “whiplash injury” describes damage to both the bone structures and soft tissues of not only the neck but also the shoulders, arms, upper back and lower back of patient.
<>Causes of whiplash
Rear impact car accident, fall from stair, other type of accident and sport injury. Whiplash injury is most commonly caused by a motor vehicle accident in which the car the person is riding in is not moving, and is struck from a vehicle from behind without notice.The impact of car accident forces the neck and head beyond their normal range of motion flexion/ extension, which is causing soft tissue damage, over stretching and rupture, muscle stiffness, dizziness, headaches and severe pain. Fortunately, whiplash injury is typically not a life threatening, but it can lead to a prolonged period chronic pain and partial disability.
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Symptoms of Whiplash
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulders
• Pain in one or both arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Poor concentration or memory
• Neck pain/ muscle stiffness
• Tenderness in the muscles
• Low back pain
<>Do I need to see a doctor (GP)?
It is always a good idea to see your GP after any kind of impact. Whiplash symptons can often be delayed. Your doctor (GP) and hospital can diagnoses the whiplash injury and refer you to a physiotherapist. The doctor (GP), hospital or physiotherapist can help to determine the diagnoses and extent of whiplash injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes x-ray or MRI scans are very useful in making the professional diagnoses.
Your physiotherapist can create treatment plans to rehabilitate whiplash injury and give appropriate advice about the symptoms, and especially how to prevent further complications.